Visa, one of the world's largest payment networks, has begun settling stablecoin transactions on the Ethereum blockchain. The integration, which was quietly launched in December 2025, utilizes the USDC stablecoin. This move is seen as a significant milestone in bringing traditional finance onto public blockchain networks.
By moving payments on-chain, Visa now enables 24/7 transactions for its institutional clients, bypassing the delays typically associated with traditional banking hours. According to Visa's own on-chain analytics, the system has already processed over $3.5 billion in annualized volume since its launch.
The use of Ethereum allows Visa to reduce settlement times from days to minutes. All transactions are recorded on the public blockchain, providing transparency and improving auditability. Experts highlight that this reduces settlement risk and could encourage more institutions to adopt stablecoins for cross-border transfers.
The crypto community has reacted positively, viewing Visa's practical integration as a major step for real-world blockchain adoption, moving beyond speculation. Analysts suggest this move may set a new standard, positioning Ethereum and similar blockchains as core infrastructure for global payments. This development signals that major financial institutions are now willing to adopt blockchain technology as a real solution for high-value, efficient payments.
